Film studies is an exciting and enjoyable course which allows students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world around them through a different media/art form. It allows students to analyse and discuss how director’s/filmmakers; intentions come to life on the big screen as well as see their own creations and ideas flourish, allowing you to express your creative side and become a risk taker. The course offers a wide range of exciting, future career prospects through the transferable skills gained on the course, both at GCSE level and IB.
We aim for KES learners…
● To develop and broaden student’s understanding of the wider world and different cultures,
through exposing students to and watching various films from around the world.
● Encourage students in Film to be risk takers, especially through their practical production work.
● Encourage students to analyse a variety of films and key sequences from films using specific subject terminology and higher level vocabulary.
● To develop student’s confidence and encourage them to have an opinion.
● Encourage students to be good listeners and take on board what other people might think/feel.
● To help student’s knowledge of the subject grow and develop their understanding of the roles within the film industry.
● To consider post 16 and post 18 educational and career options relating to Film.
Students are given the opportunity to study GCSE Film Studies in key stage 4. In the key stage 4 curriculum, we study a broad range of films from around the world. Students are encouraged to analyse films and key scenes from international films, linking this to their contextual understanding. In Film Studies students analyse and discuss directors’ and filmmakers’ intentions and how these come to life on screen, as well as see their own creations and ideas flourish, allowing them to express their creative sides and become risk takers. In key stage 4, we study a range of films that expose students to ideas and values that will support their transition into independent adults. The curriculum covers topics such as conflict, immigration power, gender, poverty, morality and other challenging ideas that create opportunities for debate and the sharing of opinions. As part of the course we also look at the role of a scriptwriter and students write their own film script, based on a genre of interest.
Students are also encouraged to consider post 16 and post 18 educational and career options relating to Film. In key stage 4, we study a broad range of films from around the world. This allows students to develop their cultural capital and to develop their understanding of the wider world. Through the teaching of films such as District 9, Let the Right One In and the Hurt Locker, students are taught and encouraged to develop their cultural and historical contextual understanding, looking at topics like the Apartheid and immigration. Students are encouraged to explore different cultures and link these contextual ideas to the imagery being displayed on the screen, in relation to the director’s intentions. Through this, students become more compassionate and understanding of the world around them.
In Key Stage 5 students can select to study IB Film Studies as part of their IBCP curriculum. In this subject, students continue to use their analytical skills, using film language to analyse a wide range of international films. Students are actively encouraged to broaden their understanding of the wider world through research tasks. Students have the opportunity for learning inside and outside the classroom. They can take a keen interest in the subject and develop their wider knowledge and understanding through the autonomy they have when selecting films they wish to study for their external assessments. In key stage 5, students continue to be exposed to a wide range of films which explore the topics such as conflict, immigration power, gender, poverty, morality and other challenging ideas that create opportunities for debate and the sharing of opinions.
Students also have the opportunity to take on different film roles. Students can explore and research industry related roles such as a director, editor, cinematography and sound editor for their internal assessment. Students are also expected to be risk takers when taking part in their practical productions. We also research filmmakers intentions and link these to the films they have created. During IB Film, the development of cultural capital and developing contextual understanding continues. We continue to watch films from around the world and students are encouraged to explore different cultures. In KS5 students have more autonomy than GCSE to explore their own international films, usually sparking new areas of interest. We focus on developing knowledge of the world and empathy of a range of different cultural perspectives and viewpoints. Students’ texts are often centred on ethical and moral issues and we teach students to use critical reading skills in order to understand and interpret these messages.